Elective Rotations

[savealife]

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Hello folks,

I have an away rotation lined up in PM&R at a prestigious program that I'm strongly considering for my residency. I am waiting to hear from another program (and I've been waiting for a LONG time). The elective at both places starts on August 27th... and I would rather go to the place that I'm waiting to hear from, simply because I'd have free housing in that particular city, and I would like to save that $500-$600 if possible.

My question is, and I'm not sure anyone knows the answer to this... how late is too late to tell the other program that I'm sorry, but I can't come? I really don't want to offend that program, but my hands are tied by the fact that the second program is notorious for taking a long time to make these types of decisions.

Anyone?

thanks,
savealife

 

[lucyz02]

Why don't you call the program you want to go to? I would explain to them if they can assist you/ you are waiting for a reply, etc since you are are trying to organize your rotation schedule. You will find most people are very willing to help out. The likely situation is that they are busy with the new residency class and haven't got around to contacting you yet. Just don't be pushy or demanding- being polite goes a long way.

 

[savealife]

Hey, thank you for the advice... unfortunately, I already tried that route and I was told that I have to go through the registrar's office at the medical school affiliated with the hospital, unfortunately.

So, anyone else with any ideas or any time allotment to give the other program?

Thanks

 

[axm397]

First of all - free rent is probably not a good reason to do a rotation at a program over a program you would strongly consider for residency. If the free rent program is a higher choice of residency for you, then I think you just have to be honest and sincere with the #2 program. IF you hear from your #1 program - even if it's 8/26 - you should call the #2 program to tell them that you cannot make it and sincerely apologize. I don't know how much detail you need to tell them but I would not lie - since your rotation will be on your transcript anyway. You'll probably talk to the coordinator - so just tell him/her that something came up and you no longer can rotate there. You only match once and this is a once in a career opportunity. Just try not to piss people off by just not showing up or not apologizing.